Alawneh 2018

Accepted Manuscript
Assessing the contribution of water and energy efficiency in green buildings to

achieve United Nations sustainable development goals in Jordan
Rami Alawneh, Farid E. Mohamed Ghazali, Hikmat Ali, Muhammad Asif
PII: S0360-1323(18)30601-2
DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2018.09.043
Reference: BAE 5719
To appear in: Building and Environment
Received Date: 28 May 2018

Revised Date: 22 September 2018
Accepted Date: 24 September 2018
Please cite this article as: Alawneh R, Mohamed Ghazali FE, Ali H, Asif M, Assessing the contribution of
water and energy efficiency in green buildings to achieve United Nations sustainable development goals
in Jordan, Building and Environment (2018), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2018.09.043.
This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to
our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo
copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please
note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all
legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Our reference: BAE 5719
Article reference: BAE_BAE-D-18-01226
Article title: Assessing the contribution of water and energy efficiency in green
buildings to achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Jordan.
To be published in: Building and Environment
PT
List of Authors with Affiliations
RI
Rami Alawneh1, Farid E. Mohamed Ghazali2*, Hikmat Ali3 and Muhammad
SC
Asif4
U
1
PhD Candidate, School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia
AN
(Engineering Campus), 14300, Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia
Email: ramialawneh21@hotmail.com
2*
Farid E. Mohamed Ghazali, Senior Lecturer, School of Civil Engineering,
M
Universiti Sains Malaysia (Engineering Campus), 14300, Nibong Tebal, Penang,

Malaysia.
Email: dr_faridezanee@yahoo.co.uk
D
3
Hikmat Ali, Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, Jordan University of
TE
Science and Technology, Irbid 21110, Jordan

Email: hikmat@just.edu.jo
4
Muhammad Asif, Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering and Built Environment,
EP
Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, G40BA, United Kingdom

Email: Muhammad.Asif@gcu.ac.uk
C
*Corresponding author
AC
Mailing address:
School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (Engineering Campus), 14300
Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +604 599 6222; Fax: +604 599 6906
Mobile: + 6013 430 0960
E-mail: dr_faridezanee@yahoo.co.uk; cefarid@usm.my
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Assessing the contribution of water and energy efficiency in green buildings to 1
achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Jordan. 2
Abstract 3
Water and energy efficiency are given high priority in all green building assessment 4
PT
systems. However, a method to assess and improve their contributions to achieve the 5
RI
United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has not been 6
developed. This research aims to fill this gap. At the time of this research, most 7
SC
certified green buildings in Jordan were under new Leadership in Energy and 8
Environmental Design (LEED) v2.2 construction. The relationships between the 9
U
LEED v2.2 “water efficiency” (WE) and “energy and atmosphere” (EA) standards 10
AN
and the UN SDGs were explored using a quantitative descriptive methodology. 11
M
Structured questionnaire surveys yielded 55 responses from Jordanian building 12
industry experts. Pearson’s Chi-square and frequency tests were carried out to 13
D
examine these relationships. We propose a new Comprehensive Contribution to 14

TE
Development Index (CCDI) to assess the contributions of the implementation of 15
LEED v2.2 WE and EA to achieve the UN SDGs. The results show a positive 16
EP
relationship between LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in both WE and EA 17

C
categories with the UN SDGs 6−9, 12–13, and 15, suggesting that the proposed 18
AC
CCDI is a reliable and robust tool for the evaluation of the contribution of water and 19
energy efficiency in LEED v2.2- certified green buildings to achieving the UN SDGs 20
in Jordan. 21
Keywords: Energy, water, green building, United Nations, sustainable development 22
goal, LEED 23
1
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
24
1. Introduction 25
On September 25, 2015, 193 members of the United Nations (UN) adopted the UN 26
sustainable development goals (UN SDGs), which aim to eliminate discrimination 27
PT
and inequality, end poverty, and overcome climate change by 2030 [1]. Numerous 28
economic and social–developmental concerns, such as health, poverty, hunger, 29
RI
education, gender equality, climate change, water, sanitation, environment, energy, 30
SC
and social justice, are covered by the 17 UN SDGs [2]. 31
The construction industry significantly contributes to national socioeconomic 32
U
development. This industry uses a considerable amount of natural and energy 33
AN
resources. Hence, the active participation of this industry in a country’s efforts to 34
M
attain sustainable development is essential [3]. 35

D
Worldwide, the construction and building sectors constitute 40% of the total energy 36
TE
use, 40% of waste, 30% of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, and 12% of 37
water consumption and employ 10% of the labor force. Many local and global 38
EP
challenges, such as demographic shifts, climate change, water, land use, and other 39
resource shortages, are significantly affected by the built environment. Fast-growing 40

C
regions in Asia, Latin America, and Africa are predicted to have additional 2 billion 41
AC
urban residents by 2030. This rapid population increase leads to a pressing demand 42
for sustainable construction and buildings [4]. 43
The society, environment, and economy are three areas that are considerably affected 44
by the built environment. The increasing environmental consideration of the impact of 45
2
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
buildings highlights the importance of conducting environmental assessments of 46
buildings in the construction industry [5]. 47
The construction industry is vital for social progress, economic growth, and 48
successful environmental protection, which are the three elements of sustainable 49
PT
development [6]. 50
RI
“Green building,” as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency, is “the 51
practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally 52
SC
responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle from siting to 53
design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction.” [7]. 54
U
AN
Governments worldwide have adopted green buildings as a key policy to avert energy 55
crises and climate change [8]. The World Green Building Council stated that “green 56
M
buildings can contribute to meeting the sustainable development goals;” information 57

D
and infographics on the website of the World Green Building Council show how 58
TE
green buildings can contribute to achieving 9 of the UN SDGs [9]. 59
Sustainable development may be achieved through the implementation and 60

EP
application of green-building-assessment tools [10]. Sustainable construction refers to 61

C
construction that is economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable [11]. 62

AC
Developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), the Leadership in 63
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a nongovernmental certification 64
program, which has been widely adopted worldwide [12]. This program has helped to 65
establish the green building rating system worldwide, with the goal of guaranteeing 66
energy efficiency and decreasing the negative environmental impacts of buildings 67
[13]. This rating system for green buildings promotes a unified approach to design 68
3
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
and acknowledges the importance of building design features in improving 69
sustainability. Such design features include reduced energy use, protected 70
construction sites, improved indoor environment quality, the utilization of sustainable 71
materials, and decreased water consumption [14]. Based on the success of LEED as a 72
green building rating system, the LEED v2.2 (specifically reacting to new 73
PT
construction) was introduced in 2005. So far, this upgraded version has certified over 74
RI
5,000 projects worldwide [15]. The LEED v2.2 rates projects in six categories: energy 75
and atmosphere (17 points); indoor environmental quality (15 points); sustainable 76
SC
sites (14 points); materials and resources (13 points); water efficiency (5 points); and 77
innovations and design process (5 points) [16]. The total sum of LEED points 78
U
determines the certification level awarded to a specific project: Platinum (52–69); 79
AN
Gold (39–51); Silver (33–38); and Certified (26–32) [17]. 80
M
The UN has classified Jordan as a lower–middle-income nation. The gross domestic 81

D
product (GDP) per capita of Jordan in 2016 was 4087.9 US dollars. The population of 82
TE
Jordan increased from 5,597,000 in 2004 to 9,798,000 in 2016, with over 80% 83
residents in urban areas. In 2016, the construction sector of Jordan contributed 4.4% 84
EP
to the GDP, equal to an additional 1,195.8 million JD. This sector also employed 85
approximately 6.1% of the total Jordanian labor force. In the same year, the number 86
C
of buildings with permits reached 7,576 [18]. Water scarcity is a serious concern in 87
AC
Jordan, a problem that affects every industry that requires water to sustain its 88
production activities and thus achieve success [19]. The overdependence of Jordan on 89
imported energy and its escalating energy demand have become serious challenges to 90
Jordan’s ability to secure a stable energy supply [20]. 91
4
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Survival, economic growth, and human progress require two factors that are 92
intricately linked: water and energy. Water is essential for production processes of 93
energy sources (including electricity) such as raw-material extraction, cleaning 94
processes, cooling thermal processes, crop cultivation for biofuels, and powering 95
turbines. Energy is necessary to ensure that water resources are available for human 96
PT
consumption (including irrigation) through treatment, pumping, transportation, and 97
RI
desalination. The various resolutions regarding water and energy challenges should be 98
organized into an integrated response because partial responses are bound to fail in 99
SC
the long term despite short-term success. The promotion of alternatives that solve 100
energy problems but aggravate water scarcity, the improvement of the access to water 101
U
at the expense of exacerbating energy problems or, worse, the advancement of 102
AN
alternatives that improve the access to energy and water but affect the environment 103
M
should be avoided [21]. 104

D
At the time of this research (September 2016), there were only four certified LEED 105
TE
buildings in Jordan based on data available on the USGBC website [22, 23, 24, 25]: 106
1) World Health Organization Building, LEED BD+C: New Construction v2 – 107

EP
LEED 2.2, certification awarded in December 2011 [22]. 108

C
AC
5
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
2) Dutch Embassy in Amman, LEED BD+C: New Construction v2 - LEED 2.2, 109
certification awarded in October 2010 [23]. 110
3) Middle East Insurance Building, LEED BD+C: New Construction v3 - LEED 111
2009, certification awarded in March 2014 [24]. 112
4) ATG Head Quarter, LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors v3 - LEED 2009, 113
PT
certification awarded in September 2015 [25]. 114
RI
Because more than one LEED-certified building is required for this study and most of 115
SC
the certified green buildings in Jordan are under new LEED v2.2 construction, we 116
selected the LEED v2.2 new construction to investigate the relationship between 117
U
water and energy efficiency in green buildings and the UN SDGs. 118
AN
The contributions of water and energy efficiency in green buildings to achieve the 119
M
UN SDGs in Jordan have not been assessed before. This research attempts to fill 120
this gap. 121

D
TE
Our main objectives are: 122
1. to identify the contributions of the implementation of LEED v2.2 prerequisites 123

EP
and credits in the WE and EA categories to achieve the UN SDGs in Jordan 124
C
2. to develop an integrated index for the assessment of the contribution of water and 125
AC
energy efficiency in LEED-v2.2-certified green buildings to achieve the UN 126
SDGs in Jordan 127
Following this introduction, Section 2 reviews the literature from which the 128
hypotheses are derived. The research methods are presented in Section 3. The results 129
and discussion are provided in Section 4 and Section 5 concludes this paper. 130
6
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
2. Literature review and hypothesis development 131
2.1 Relationship between LEED v2.2 credits in the WE category and the UN SDGs 132
Jordan is a middle-income country with insufficient supplies of water, oil, and other 133
natural resources. It is classified as semiarid to arid country and its annual rainfall is 134
PT
less than 200 mm over 92% of the land area. The total land area of Jordan is 89,297 135
km2, 92% of which comprises deserts/rangeland [26]. The water scarcity in Jordan
RI
136
leads to significant challenges with respect to its development. The country’s climatic 137
SC
conditions, geography, and geopolitical environment add to such challenges. A 138
serious challenge that affects the wellbeing, security, and economic future of all 139
U
Jordanians is posed by water scarcity [26]. 140
AN
Jordan currently faces water scarcity. In the population–resource equation, water 141
M
plays a dominant role. In Jordan, the water resources continue to decline as the 142
D
country’s population continues to rise. An imbalance has thus emerged between the 143
TE
rapidly increasing population, which also comprises refugees, and actual water 144
availability. The severe water shortage in Jordan is a result of the lack of natural 145
EP
surface water resources in the region. Recent severe drought periods have further 146
aggravated the problem [27]. The amount of water available to citizens is simply not 147
C
enough to sustainably support the growing population. 148

AC
As identified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the WE components of 149
the LEED rating system have the main objective to “reduce the amount of potable 150
water consumed in buildings” [28]. The LEED WE category addresses the water issue 151
by considering indoor use, outdoor use, specialized uses, and metering [28]. The 152
water efficiency credits of LEED v2.2 (new construction) [28] are shown in Fig. 1. 153
7
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Designers and builders can construct green buildings that use significantly less water 154
than building based on conventional construction methods by incorporating native 155
landscapes that eliminate the need for irrigation, installing water-efficient fixtures, 156
and reusing wastewater for non-potable water needs [28]. 157
PT
Based on the Green Building Market Impact Report 2009, 1.2 trillion gallons (4.54 158
trillion L) of water have been saved through the LEED projects [29]. The LEED water 159
RI
efficiency credits motivate project teams to take advantage of every opportunity to 160
SC
significantly reduce the total water use. 161
Because Jordan is a water-scarce country and potable water is the highest-ranking 162
U
priority, water efficiency would allow the country to reduce the water scarcity. 163
AN
Based on the literature review; ( UN SDGs [1,2], Green building and sustainable 164
M
development [3-11], LEED [12-17,22-25, 28- 29], Water Shortage in Jordan [18-20, 165
D
26-27]; , the study will test the following main hypotheses: 166
TE
• H1: There is a significant relationship between the UN SDGs and LEED v2.2 167
credits in the WE category. 168

EP
We also investigated the following sub-hypotheses: 169

C
AC
• H1A: There is a significant relationship between SDG6 and LEED v2.2 credits 170
in the WE category. 171
• H1B: There is a significant relationship between SDG8 and LEED v2.2 credits 172
• H1C: There is a significant relationship between SDG9 and LEED v2.2 credits 174
8
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
• H1D: There is a significant relationship between SDG12 and LEED v2.2 176
• H1E: There is a significant relationship between SDG13 and LEED v2.2 178
• H1F: There is a significant relationship between SDG15 and LEED v2.2 180
PT
RI
Fig. 1 shows the proposed links between the implementation of the LEED-v2.2 WE 182
credits and UN SDGs 6, 8, 9, 12–13, and 15. 183
U SC
AN
M
D
TE
C EP
AC
9
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
LEED v2.2 NC Water Efficiency credits Results of implementation of UN SDGs

LEED v2.2 NC Water Efficiency credits
PT
WE Credit 1.1: Water Efficient Landscaping: SDG6
RI
Reduce by 50%
Ensure availability and sustainable
Intent: Limit or eliminate the use of potable
water, or other natural surface or subsurface Reduce the amount of potable management of water and sanitation
for all.
SC
water resources available on or near the project water consumed in buildings.
site, for landscape irrigation.
WE Credit 1.2: Water Efficient Landscaping: SDG8
No Potable Water Use Reduce generation of wastewater Promote sustained, inclusive and
U
or No Irrigation and increase recycling and reuse sustainable economic growth, full
Intent: Eliminate the use of potable water, or of wastewater. and productive employment and
AN
other natural surface or subsurface water
resources available on or near the project site, decent work for all.
for landscape irrigation. Create employment opportunities by
development, production and use of SDG9
M
WE Credit 2: Innovative Wastewater innovative water and wastewater Build resilient infrastructure,
Technologies technologies. promote inclusive and sustainable
Intent: Reduce generation of wastewater and
potable water demand, while increasing the industrialization and foster
D
local aquifer recharge. Reduce building operation cost. innovation.
TE
WE Credit 3.1: Water Use Reduction: 20% SDG12
Reduction Ensure sustainable consumption
Intent: Maximize water efficiency within and production patterns
Reduce the energy required to treat
buildings to reduce the burden on municipal
water for potable use, transport it to
EP
water supply and wastewater systems.
and from a building, and treat it for SDG13
WE Credit 3.2 : Water Use Reduction: 30% disposal. Reduce greenhouse gas Take urgent action to combat
Reduction emissions associated with energy climate change and its impacts
Intent: Maximize water efficiency within saving.
C
buildings to reduce the burden on municipal

water supply and wastewater SDG15
AC
systems. Take urgent action to combat

climate change and its impacts
184
Fig. 1. Proposed links between the LEED v2.2 WE credits and UN SDGs. 185
10
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
2.2 Relationship between LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in the EA category and 186
the UN SDGs 187
The demand for energy and electricity is on the rise in Jordan [26]. This demand 188
becomes more complex by the limited availability of locally sourced fossil fuels, 189
PT
inadequate conversion capacities, and the absence of energy companies with strong 190
financial capabilities. The rapid industrialization and population growth, which 191
RI
includes refugees from various regions, further aggravate the situation [27]. 192
SC
Projection results indicate that the consumption of electricity in Jordan will exceed the 193
nation’s capability for electricity generation [28]. More than 96% of Jordan’s energy
U
194
is imported in the form of crude oil products. In 2014, the cost of consumed energy
AN
195
represented 86.8% of exports, 27.7% of imports, and 17.6% of the GDP [20]. The per 196
M
capita energy consumption between 2010 and 2014 increased from 1,204 to 1,272 197
kWh; in the same period, the per capita consumption of electricity increased from 198
D
2,101 to 2,318 kWh [20]. Jordan imported energy equivalent to 8,449,000 t of oil in 199
TE
2014; the energy generated from locally available resources, that is, mainly natural 200
gas and renewable energy, reached an equivalent of 265,800 t of oil [20]. 201
EP
The transportation sector is the major consumer of energy in Jordan; its energy 202
C
consumption is approximately 46% of the total consumption. The residential sector, 203
AC
which consumes approximately 21% of the total energy ranks in second place; it is 204
followed by the industrial sector with an energy consumption of approximately 20% 205
of the total consumption [20]. 206
11
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Natural gas is the main source of electricity in Jordan and comprises approximately 207
70% of the total amount of electricity produced in the country. Heavy fuel oil and 208
diesel are still utilized in some electric power plants [20]. 209
In terms of electricity consumption, the residential sector in Jordan uses 210
PT
approximately 43% of the total electricity in the country, making it the leading 211
electricity consumer. The residential sector is followed by the industrial sector with a 212
RI
consumption of 25%, the commercial sector with a consumption of 15%, the water 213
SC
pumping sector with a consumption of 15%, and street lights with a 2% consumption 214
[20]. This distribution shows that buildings in Jordan consume approximately 58% of 215
U
the total electricity in the nation [20]. 216
AN
The LEED v2.2 EA category approaches energy from a holistic perspective, 217
M
addressing energy-use reduction, energy-efficient design strategies, and renewable 218
energy sources. The LEED V2.2 EA prerequisites and credits are shown in Fig. 2. 219
D
TE
Focusing on design that reduces the overall energy needs in a green building is the 220
starting point to achieve energy efficiency. Considerations must be made in various 221
EP
areas such as the building orientation, glazing selection, and choice of climate- 222
appropriate building materials. Strategies, such as passive heating and cooling, natural 223
C
ventilation, and high-efficiency HVAC systems, combined with smart controls further 224
AC
reduce the energy use of a building. The generation of renewable energy on the 225
project site or the purchase of green power allows portions of the remaining energy 226
consumption to be met with non-fossil fuel energy, lowering the demand for 227
traditional sources [28]. The commissioning process is critical to ensure high- 228
performing buildings. The early involvement of a commissioning authority helps to 229
12
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
prevent long-term maintenance issues and waste of energy by verifying that the 230
design meets the owner’s project requirements and intended functions [28]. 231
The LEED-certified green buildings address energy savings by reducing the amount 232
of energy required for building operations and by utilizing clean and renewable 233
PT
energy. 234
RI
When buildings consume energy efficiently, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions 235
from energy production is reduced. 236
SC
The environmental impacts of the energy use of buildings may be reduced by 237
U
adopting electricity sources other than fossil fuels. The operating costs can be also 238
AN
reduced with improved energy performance based on renewable energy [28]. 239
M
Based on the literature review; (UN SDGs [1,2], Green building and sustainable 240
development [3-11], LEED [12-17,22-25, 28-29], Energy in Jordan [18, 20, 30-32]); 241
D
the study will test the main hypothesis: 242

TE
• H2: There is a significant relationship between the UN SDGs and LEED v2.2 243
EP
prerequisites and credits in the EA category. 244

C
We also investigated the following sub-hypotheses: 245

AC
• H2A: There is a significant relationship between SDG7 and LEED v2.2 246
• H2B: There is a significant relationship between SDG8 and LEED v2.2 248
• H2C: There is a significant relationship between SDG9 and LEED v2.2 250
13
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
• H2D: There is a significant relationship between SDG12 and LEED v2.2 252
• H2E: There is a significant relationship between SDG13 and LEED v2.2 254
PT
Fig. 2 shows the proposed links between LEED v2.2 EA prerequisites and credits and 256
the UN SDGs. 257
RI
258
SC
259
U 260
AN
261
M
262
D
TE
263
264
EP
265
C
AC
266
267
268
14
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
LEED v2.2 NC Energy & Atmosphere Results of implementation of UN SDGs

prerequisites and credits LEED v2.2 NC Energy & Atmosphere
prerequisites and credits
PT
EA Prerequisite 1: Fundamental Commissioning of
the Building Energy Systems.
Intent: Verify that the building’s energy related
systems are installed, calibrated and perform SDG7
RI
according to the owner’s project requirements, basis Ensure access to affordable,
of design, and construction documents
reliable, sustainable and modern
EA Prerequisite 2: Minimum Energy Performance energy for all.
Reduce energy consumption in
SC
Intent: Establish the minimum level of energy
efficiency for the proposed building and systems. buildings.
SDG8
EA Prerequisite 3: Fundamental Refrigerant Promote sustained, inclusive and
Management
Increase the share of renewable sustainable economic growth, full
U
Intent: Reduce ozone depletion.
energy in the global energy mix. and productive employment and
EA Credit 1: Optimize Energy Performance
decent work for all.
AN
Intent: Achieve increasing levels of energy performance
above the baseline in the prerequisite standard to reduce
environmentaland economic impacts associated with Create employment opportunities
excessive energy use. SDG9
related to energy efficiency and
EA Credit 2: On-Site Renewable Energy renewable energy and clean energy. Build resilient infrastructure,
M
Intent: Encourage and recognize increasing levels of on- promote inclusive and sustainable
site renewable energy self-supply in order to reduce industrialization and foster
environmental and economic impacts associated with
fossil fuel energy use. Reduce building operation cost. innovation.
D
EA Credit 3: Enhanced Commissioning SDG12
Intent: Begin the commissioning process early during Ensure sustainable consumption
TE
the design process and execute additional activities after
systems performance verification is completed.
Reduce greenhouse gases emitted and production patterns
from energy production and
EA Credit 4: Enhanced Refrigerant Management
Intent: Reduce ozone depletion and support early SDG13
Take urgent action to combat
EP
compliance with the Montreal Protocol while minimizing
direct contributions to global warming.
climate change and its impacts
EA Credit 5: Measurement & Verification Reduce using of fossil fuel for
Intent : Provide for the ongoing accountability of electricity generation.
building energy consumption over time.
C
EA Credit 6: Green Power

Intent: Encourage the development and use of grid-
AC
source, renewable energy technologies on a net zero

pollution basis.
269
Fig. 2. Proposed links between LEED v2.2 EA prerequisites and credits and the UN SDGs. 270
15
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
2.3 Integrated relationship between LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in the WE 271
and EA categories and the UN SDGs 272
Based on the United Nations World Water Development Report 2014, Water and 273
Energy Volume 1, “Water and energy are strongly interlinked: water is required to 274
PT
produce, transport, and use all forms of energy to some degree and energy is required 275
for the extraction, treatment, and distribution of water and its collection and treatment 276
RI
after use.” The improvement of the water and energy efficiency would allow countries 277
SC
to reduce the resource scarcity and maximize the benefits provided by existing water 278
and energy infrastructure [33]. 279
U
Research on the water-energy nexus is increasing significantly [34]. Jiangyu et al. 280
AN
identified 70 studies on the water-energy nexus by conducting an extensive literature 281
M
survey [34]. 282

D
Siddiqi et al. developed a framework to bridge decision networks for integrated water 283
TE
and energy planning; this framework was successfully used in the case study for 284
Jordan [35]. 285

EP
Water and energy resource challenges in Jordan require creative methods to manage 286
C
these resources in an integrated sustainable manner. Integrated management of 287

AC
interdependent water and energy systems at the building scale is critical to achieve 288
sustainable development. Hence, the connections between water and energy efficiency 289
in green buildings should be considered in Jordan to achieve the UN SDGs. 290
Therefore, this research aims to develop an integrated index for assessing and 291
improving the contributions of water and energy efficiency in green buildings. Fig. 3 292
16
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
shows the proposed integrated links between LEED v2.2 EA prerequisites and credits 293
and the UN SDGs. 294
295
LEED v2.2 NC Water Efficiency
credits UN SDGs
WE Credit 1.1: Water Efficient
Landscaping: Reduce by 50%
PT
WE Credit 1.2: Water Efficient SDG6
Landscaping: No Potable Water Use or No Ensure availability and
Irrigation.
sustainable management of
WE Credit 2:Innovative Wastewater
RI
Technologies water and sanitation for all.
WE Credit 3.1: Water Use Reduction: 20% SDG7

Reduction Integrated Ensure access to affordable,
contributions of reliable, sustainable and modern
SC
WE Credit 3.2: Water Use Reduction: 30%
Reduction
implementation of energy for all. all.
LEED v2.2 NC SDG8
LEED v2.2 NC Energy & prerequisites and Promote sustained, inclusive and
Atomosphere prerequesits and credits in the WE sustainable economic growth,
U
EA Prerequisite 1:Fundamental and AE categories full and productive employment
Commissioning of the Building Energy and decent work for all.
Systems.
to achieve UN
AN
SDGs in Jordan SDG9
EA Prerequisite 2:Minimum Energy
Performance Build resilient infrastructure,
promote inclusive and
EA Prerequisite 3:Fundamental sustainable industrialization and
Refrigerant Management
M
SDG12
EA Credit 1: Optimize Energy Ensure sustainable consumption
and production patterns.
EA Credit 2: On-Site Renewable Energy
D
EA Credit 3: Enhanced Commissioning SDG13

Take urgent action to combat
EA Credit 4: Enhanced Refrigerant climate change and its impacts.
TE
Management
SDG15
EA Credit 5: Measurement & Verification Take urgent action to combat
climate change and its impacts.
EA Credit 6: Green Power
296
EP
Fig. 3. Proposed integrated links between LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in the 297
WE and EA categories and the UN SDGs. 298
C
299
AC
3. Research methodology 300
This research is designed to explore if a relationship exists between LEED v2.2 301
prerequisite credits in two categories (WE and AE) and the UN SDGs and to develop 302
a new index for assessing the contributions of water and energy efficiency in LEED 303
17
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
v2.2-certified buildings to achieve the UN SDGs in Jordan. Based on Kothari [36], 304
descriptive research can include surveys and other forms of empirical inquiry. 305
The research methodology includes the two main hypotheses developed based on the 306
literature review, as discussed in Section 2. A questionnaire was developed and 307
PT
distributed to the targeted audience. Data were gathered through a survey and 308
analyzed with frequency, Pearson’s Chi-square, and Cramer’s V tests. Contribution 309
RI
indices were constructed. A focus group discussion was conducted to validate the 310
SC
results. The contribution indices were used to assess the contributions of water and 311
energy efficiency in the two pioneer LEED-v2.2-certified buildings to achieve the UN 312
U
SDGs in Jordan. 313
AN
3.1 Questionnaire development 314
M
A questionnaire survey was used as the primary tool for data collection. It included 315
D
statements and questions on data, age, job role, experience, and views on the 316
TE
contributions of the implementation of LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in the WE 317
and EA to achieve the UN SDGs in Jordan. 318

EP
Generally, many response scale options were used by different researchers such as a 319
C
dichotomous, three-point, five-point, and seven-point options. In most of the studies, 320
AC
the Likert five-point scale (1: strongly agree, 2: agree, 3: neither agree nor disagree, 4: 321
disagree, 5: strongly disagree) was used to measure the level of agreement or 322
disagreement. However, in most of these studies, categories 1 and 2 and 4 and 5 were 323
combined to new categories “1: strongly agree/ agree” and “3: disagree/ strongly 324
disagree,” respectively. Category 3 (neither agree nor disagree) became category 2 325
because the aim of this study is not to test the degree of agreement regarding the 326
18
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
relationship between each credit and prerequisite in the WE and EA categories and 327
UN SDGs (the dichotomous scale is suitable to respond to the question if there is a 328
significant relationship between LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in the WE and 329
EA to achieve the UN SDGs in Jordan, as mentioned previously.) 330
PT
A pilot study was conducted prior to the survey to test the comprehensibility and 331
suitability of the questionnaire. The pilot study involved a team of three professors 332
RI
(academia), an associate professor, and three experts (consultancy firm and 333
SC
government authorities). All have experience with Jordan’s built environment and 334
green buildings. The questionnaire was finalized based on feedback from the pilot 335
U
study. 336
AN
3.2 Data collection method 337
M
The structured questionnaires were distributed to four groups of Jordanian building 338
D
project experts (consultants, contractors, government officials, and academic experts). 339
TE
The main target was to select experts with professional qualifications, experience, 340
knowledge on green building projects, and involvement in the Jordan Green Building 341
EP
Council. A total of 140 questionnaires were distributed and 55 participants completed 342
the survey (39%). The 55 responses were adequate compare with previous studies 343
C
related to green buildings [37–40]. Darko et al. investigated major issues influencing 344
AC
the adoption of green building technologies from the perspectives of 33 US green 345
building experts [37]. Hwang and Ng identified challenges faced by 30 project 346
managers who work on the execution of green construction projects and determined 347
knowledge areas and skills that are necessary to respond to such challenges [38]. Zhoa 348
et al. conducted a survey with 30 project managers who were experienced in green 349
construction to identify the leadership characteristics and styles of project managers in 350
19
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
green building projects in Singapore [39]. Hwang and Tan identified common 351
obstacles encountered by 31 experts during the management of green construction 352
projects [36]. However, based on the central limit theorem, that is, a sample size 353
above 30, statistical analysis could still be conducted [41]. In this research, 36% of the 354
respondents were from consultant companies, 31% from government authorities, 24% 355
PT
from contracting companies, and 9% from universities. The respondent demographics 356
RI
are shown in Table 1. Notably, there are few experts in Jordan who have more than 10 357
years of experience in sustainable construction or have a PhD in the field of 358
SC
sustainability. 359
U
Available data and information on the two pioneer LEED-v2.2-certified green 360
AN
buildings in Amman (World Health Organization Building; Dutch Embassy) were 361
collected. 362
M
363
D
TE
364
365
EP
366
C
AC
367
368
369
370
20
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
371
PT
RI
U SC
AN
M
D
TE
EP
C
AC
21
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
372
PT
Table 1. Respondent demographics 373
Consultants Contractor Government Universities Overall
RI
Items Category authorities
No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %
SC
Respondents’ gender Female 11 65 4 29 7 37 3 60 25 45
Male 9 53 9 64 10 53 2 40 30 55
Respondents 'age 20–30 years 2 10 1 8 1 6 4 7
U
31–40 years 14 70 7 54 6 35 2 40 29 53
AN
>40 years 4 20 5 38 10 59 3 60 22 40
Respondents’ education Bachelor 10 59 12 86 11 58 33 60
Master or PhD 7 41 2 14 8 42 5 100 22 40
M
Respondents’ designation Architect 2 10 1 8 1 6 4 7
Senior architect 4 20 1 8 2 12 7 13
D
Senior civil engineer 2 10 1 8 2 12 5 9
Senior mechanical engineer 3 15 2 15 1 6 6 11
TE
Senior electrical engineer 4 20 2 15 2 12 8 15
Project manager 1 5 3 23 1 6 5 9
General manager 1 5 1 8 2 4
EP
Senior technical advisor 1 5 3 18 4 7
Senior manger 1 5 1 8 2 12 4 7
Managing director 1 5 1 8 3 18 5 9
C
Assistant professor 2 40 2 4
AC
Associate professor 3 60 3 5
Respondents’ experience <5 years 2 10 1 8 1 6 1 20 5 9
5–10 years 5 25 3 23 4 24 1 20 13 24
>15 years 13 65 9 69 12 71 3 60 37 67
22
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
3.3 Data analysis and hypothesis testing 374
The collected data were classified and tabulated prior to quantitative analysis (Table 375
2). The hypotheses were tested to indicate if a relationship exists between LEED v2.2 376
credits in the WE and AE categories and the UN SDGs using Pearson’s Chi-square 377
PT
and Cramer’s V tests. The independent variables are LEED v2.2 prerequisites and 378
credits in the WE and AE categories. The dependent variables are the UN SDGs 6, 7, 379
RI
8, 9, 12, 13, and 15. Null hypotheses (no relationship between variables) were rejected 380
SC
at the p < 0.05 level. The nonparametric Chi-square metric was chosen because it is 381
based on frequencies instead of parameters such as the unavailable means and 382
U
standard deviations; there is no need for assumptions regarding the type of the 383
AN
population and parametric values and nonparametric tests are appropriate for ordinal 384
or nominal scales. 385

M
Table 2 Statistical design 386

D
TE
387
Measurement
# Questions Statistics
level
EP
Q1 Gender Nominal Frequencies

Q2 Age Scale Frequencies
Q3 Designation Nominal Frequencies
C
Q4 Total years of work experience Scale Frequencies

AC
Contributions of the Frequency, Chi-

Q5 implementation of LEED v2.2 WE Ordinal square, and
credits to achieve the UN SDGs Cramer’s V tests
Contributions of the
Frequency, Chi-
implementation of LEED v2.2 EA
Q6 Ordinal square, and
prerequisites and credits to achieve
Cramer’s V tests
the UN SDGs
388
389
390
23
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
391
3.4 Constructing the Contribution Indices 392
The composite index is a mathematical tool (simple or complex) that aggregates 393
indicators, which is increasingly recognized as a practical method in policy analysis 394
PT
and public communication for the comparison of performances [42]. 395
RI
Generally, an aggregation method can be considered to be “simple” or “complex.” We 396
define an aggregation method as “simple” if an easily understandable mathematical 397
SC
function is used [42]. 398
U
For example, the Human Development Index (HDI) developed by the United Nations 399
AN
Development Program is “a summary measure of average achievement in key 400
dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable and 401
M
having a decent standard of living. The HDI is the geometric mean of normalized 402
D
indices for each of three key dimensions” [43]. 403

TE
The development of the contribution indices in this research is based on the data 404
EP
collected in the survey regarding the opinion of Jordan’s experts on the contributions 405
of the implementation of LEED v2.2 credits prerequisites in the WE and EA 406

C
categories to achieve the UN SDGs. 407

AC
Following equations are proposed: 408
The Frequency Contribution of the Water Efficiency Index (FCWEI) is an index that 409
describes the contribution percentage of each LEED v2.2 WE credit (WEl: WEc1.1, 410
WEc1.2, WEc2, WEc3.1, and WEc3.2) to achieve each UN SDGs (SDGh: SDG6, SDG8, 411
SDG9, SDG12, SDG13, and SDG15). 412
24
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
413
& (1)
& = ℎ % × × 100
&
414
The & is the Frequency Contribution of the Water Efficiency Index; 415
PT
Achievement % is the percentage of the achievement of WEl; & is the 416
number of expert responses agreeing that the implementation of WEl can contribute to 417
RI
achieving SDGh; and & is the total number of expert responses on the 418
SC
contributions of the implementation of WEl to achieve SDGh in Jordan. 419
The Frequency Contribution of Energy and Atmosphere Index (FCEAI) is an index 420
U
that describes the contribution percentage of each LEED v2.2 EA prerequisite and 421
AN
credit (EAk: EAP1, EAP2, EAP3, EAC1, EAC2, EAC3, EAC4, EAC4, EAC5, EAC6) to achieve 422
M
each UN SDG (SDGi: SDG7, SDG8, SDG9, SDG12, SDG13). 423

D
= ℎ % ×
&
× 100 , (2)
&
&
TE
424
where the is the Frequency Contribution of Energy and Atmosphere 425

EP
&
Index; Achievement % is the percentage of achievement of EAk; & is the 426

C
number of expert responses agreeing that the implementation of EAk can contribute to 427
AC
achieving SDGi; and & is the total number of expert responses on the 428
contributions of the implementation of EAk to achieving SDGi in Jordan. 429
The Multidimensional Contribution of Water Efficiency Index (MCWEI) is an 430
integrated index that describes the overall contribution percentage of each LEED v2.2 431
WE credit (WEl: WEc1.1, WEc1.2, WEc2, WEc3.1, and WEc3.2) to achieve the UN SDGs 6, 432
25
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
8, 9, 12–13, and 15 in Jordan. The geometric mean of the FCWEI for each LEED 433
v2.2 WE credit is used to calculate the MCWEI. 434
" =
( & × & × &
PT
$ % &
× & × &
(3)
'( ')
× & ),/.
RI
'*
435
SC
The Multidimensional Contribution of Energy & Atmosphere Index (MCEAI) is an 436
integrated index that describes the overall contribution percentage of each LEED v2.2 437
U
EA prerequisite and credit (EAk: EAP1, EAP2, EAP3, EAC1, EAC2, EAC3, EAC4, EAC4, 438
AN
EAC5, EAC6) to achieve the UN SDGs 7–9, 12, and 13 in Jordan. The geometric mean 439
of FCI for each LEED v2.2 EA prerequisite and credit is used to calculate the MCEAI. 440
M
D
" =
TE
( & /
× & %
× & &
× & × & ),/0 (6)

'( ')
EP
441
C
The Comprehensive Contribution to Development Index (CCDI) is a comprehensive 442

AC
index that describes the overall contribution percentage of all LEED v2.2 WE credits 443
and EA prerequisites and credits to achieve the UN SDGs 6–9, 12–13, and 15 in 444
Jordan. The mean MCWEI for each LEED v2.2 WE credit and MCEAI for each LEED 445
v2.2 EA prerequisite and credit are used to calculate the CCDI. 446
447
26
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
1 23 ℎ 4 1 3 56 1 4 1 7 812 9 : ( 7 )
= (" ;,., + " ;,.> + " ;>
+" ;?., +" ;?.> +" @,
+ " @> +" @? +" ;, +" ;>

(7)
+" ;? +" ;A
+" B0 +" ;. )/14
PT
448
RI
This research introduces a new index to assess the contributions of the 449
implementation of LEED v2.2 prerequisite credits in the WE and EA categories to 450
SC
achieve the UN SDGs. 451
U
3.5 Validation of the Results 452
AN
Krueger, one of the leading researcher in focus group, described the focus group as “a 453
M
carefully planned discussion designed to obtain perceptions on a defined area of 454
interest in an open-minded, nonthreatening environment” [44]. Focus groups can be 455

D
used both during preliminary or exploratory stages of a research project, where 456
TE
questions are explored and hypotheses are generated, and at later stages to assess the 457
development, effectiveness, or impact of a program of activities [44]. 458

EP
A thorough manual on the use of focus groups in research has been published by the 459
C
United Nations University and is available online. This manual describes a focus 460
AC
group as “a research approach that has proven to be extremely useful in a wide variety 461
of settings to rapidly and economically provide information on the range of opinions, 462
knowledge, beliefs, and practices of a population” [45]. 463
A focus group approach has been chosen for the validation of the results in this 464
research. Krueger suggested a number of participants between five and ten [46]. In 465
27
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
this research, ten participants, both male and female, were selected based on their 466
expertise, role, and experience. The participants are Jordanian building-project experts 467
(consultants, contractors, government officials, and academic experts from 468
universities). They have theoretical and practical experience in green building 469
projects. 470
PT
3.6 Application of the CCDI for the assessment of the contributions of LEED-v2.2- 471
RI
certified green buildings 472
SC
To test the usability of CCDI for assessing the contributions water and energy 473
efficiency in LEED-v2.2-certified green building to achieve UN SDGs in Jordan, the 474
U
two pioneer LEED-v2.2-certified green building (the World Health Organization 475
AN
Building in Amman and the Dutch Embassy in Amman) were selected. 476
M
The World Health Organization (WHO) Building (Amman offices) earned the first 477
D
Gold LEED v2.2. Certification for a green building in Jordan, with the USGBC’s final 478
TE
review awarding 42 points. The four-story office building is located in a business 479
zone next to a major road in Amman. The building area is approximately 4,000 m2; 480
EP
existing infrastructure with close access to private and public transportation is 481
utilized. 482
C
AC
The Embassy Building of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Amman earned the 483
Silver LEED v2.2 Certification (34 points). An existing villa was converted into the 484
offices of the Dutch embassy. The building area is 1,253 m2 (including both existing 485
and new areas for the main building and annexes). 486
28
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
4. Results and Discussions 487
4.1 Relationship between the UN SDGs and LEEDV2.2 credits in the WE category 488
The Pearson’s Chi-square tests (Fig.4) show significant evidence of relationships 489
between LEED v2.2 credits in the WE category and SDG6 [χ2 (df = 4, N = 55) = 490
PT
35.568, p < 0.000], SDG8 [χ2 (df = 4, N = 55) = 32.387, p < 0.000], SDG9 [χ2 (df = 4, 491
N = 55) = 28.205, p < 0.000], SDG12 [χ2 (df = 4, N = 55) = 20.398, p < 0.000],
RI
492
SDG13 [χ2 (df = 4, N = 55) = 19.652, p < 0.000], and SDG15 [χ2 (df = 4, N = 55) = 493
SC
29.950, p < 0.000]. The results have a small p-value (<0.05), which is strong evidence 494
against null hypotheses; therefore, we confirm all sub-hypotheses (H1A, H1B, H1C, 495
U
H1D, H1E, and H1F) and thus the main hypothesis H1. These findings are in line with 496
AN
previous arguments in the literature that LEED-certified green buildings have 497
M
considerable environmental, social, and economic benefits regarding water-saving 498
measures and Jordan’s challenges with respect to the water scarcity. 499
D
TE
500
501
EP
502
C
AC
503
504
505
506
29
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Opinion of Jordan’s experts about the contribution of the implementation of LEED v2.2 credits in the WE category to achieving the UN SDGs.
PT
WE SDG6 SDG8 SDG9 SDG12 SDG13 SDG15
RI
credit Agree Disagree Total Agree Disagree Total Agree Disagree Total Agree Disagree Total Agree Disagree Agree Disagree
Total Total
WE 1.1 33 60% 22 40% 55 28 51% 27 49% 55 38 69% 17 31% 55 29 53% 26 47% 55 30 55% 25 45% 55 29 53% 26 47% 55
SC
WE 1.2 42 76% 13 24% 55 37 67% 18 33% 55 42 76% 13 24% 55 32 58% 23 42% 55 33 60% 22 40% 55 33 60% 22 40% 55
WE 2 48 87% 7 13% 55 42 76% 13 24% 55 50 91% 5 9% 55 36 65% 19 35% 55 39 71% 16 29% 55 44 80% 11 20% 55
WE 3.1 51 93% 4 7% 55 48 87% 7 13% 55 52 95% 3 5% 55 42 76% 13 24% 55 44 80% 11 20% 55 46 84% 9 16% 55
U
WE 3.2 54 98% 1 2% 55 51 93% 4 7% 55 54 98% 1 2% 55 48 87% 7 13% 55 48 87% 7 13% 55 50 91% 5 9% 55
Relationship between the LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in the WE category and UN SDGs.
AN
Independence test
M
Cramer’s V Decision Results
Cross tabulation Chi-square test
coefficient
H1A confirmed: There is a strong
Reject null
Crosstab WE * SDG6 χ2 (df = 4, N = 55) = 35.568, p < 0.000 0.36 relationship between SDG6 and LEED v2.2
D
hypothesis
WE credits
H1B confirmed: There is a strong
Reject null
TE
hypothesis
WE credits
H1C confirmed: There is a strong
Reject null
hypothesis
WE credits
EP
H1D confirmed: There is a moderate
Reject null
Crosstab WE * SDG12 χ2 (df = 4, N = 5) = 20.389, p < 0.000 0.271 relationship between SDG12 and LEED
hypothesis
v2.2 WE credits
H1E confirmed: There is a moderate
Reject null
C
hypothesis
v2.2 WE credits
H1F confirmed: There is a strong
Reject null
AC
hypothesis
v2.2 WE credits
507
Fig.4 Relationship between the LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in the WE category and UN SDGs. 508
30
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
4.2 Relationship between the UN SDGs and LEEDV2.2 prerequisites and credits in 509
the EA category 510
The Pearson’s chi-square tests (Fig.5) reveal significant evidence of strong 511
relationships between LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in the EA category and 512
PT
SDG7 [χ2 (df = 4, N = 55) = 230.37, p < 0.000], SDG8 [χ2 (df = 4, N = 55) = 111.148, 513
p < 0.000], SDG9 [χ2 (df = 4, N = 55) = 54.351, p < 0.000], SDG12 [χ2 (df = 4, N =
RI
514
55) = 135.46, p < 0.000], and SDG13 [χ2 (df = 4, N = 55) = 78.05, p < 0.000]. The 515
SC
results have a small p-value (<0.05), which is strong evidence against null hypotheses; 516
therefore, we confirm all sub-hypotheses (H2A, H2B, H2C, H2D, and H2E) and thus 517
U
the main hypothesis H2. These findings support previous arguments in the literature 518
AN
that LEED-certified green buildings address energy savings by reducing the amount 519
M
of energy required for building operations and by utilizing clean and renewable 520
energy. 521
D
TE
522
523
EP
524
C
AC
525
526
527
528
31
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
529
PT
RI
U SC
AN
M
D
TE
EP
C
AC
32
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Opinion of Jordan’s experts on the contribution of the implementation of LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in the EA
category to achieving the UN SDGs.
PT
EA SDG7 SDG8 SDG9 SDG12 SDG13
Credits Agree Disagree Total Agree Disagree Total Agree Disagree Total Agree Disagree Total Agree Disagree Total
EAp1 45 82% 10 18% 55 50 91% 5 9% 55 47 85% 8 15% 55 32 58% 23 42% 55 35 64% 20 36% 55
EAp2 30 55% 25 45% 55 25 45% 30 55% 55 40 73% 15 27% 55 40 73% 15 27% 55 43 78% 12 22% 55
RI
EAp3 5 9% 50 91% 55 22 40% 33 60% 55 37 67% 18 33% 55 11 20% 44 80% 55 51 93% 4 7% 55
EAc1 52 95% 3 5% 55 51 93% 4 7% 55 53 96% 2 4% 55 52 95% 3 5% 55 50 91% 5 9% 55
EAc2 53 96% 2 4% 55 52 95% 3 5% 55 54 98% 1 2% 55 53 96% 2 4% 55 54 98% 1 2% 55
SC
EAc3 46 84% 9 16% 55 42 76% 13 24% 55 30 55% 25 45% 55 32 58% 23 42% 55 30 55% 25 45% 55
EAc4 3 5% 52 95% 55 28 51% 27 49% 55 33 60% 22 40% 55 37 67% 18 33% 55 52 95% 3 5% 55
EAc5 47 85% 8 15% 55 39 71% 16 29% 55 41 75% 14 25% 55 52 95% 3 5% 55 36 65% 19 35% 55
U
EAc6 28 51% 27 49% 55 52 95% 3 5% 55 45 82% 10 18% 55 48 87% 7 13% 55 52 95% 3 5% 55
AN
Relationship between the LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in the EA category and UN SDGs.
Intendant test
Cramer’s V Decision Results
Cross tabulation Chi-square test
coefficient
M
H2A confirmed: There is a strong
Reject null relationship between SDG7 and
Crosstab EA * SDG6 χ2 (df = 4, N = 55) = 230.37, p < 0.000 0.682
hypothesis LEED v2.2 EA prerequisites &
credits
D
H2B confirmed: There is a strong
TE
credits
H2C confirmed: There is a strong
credits
H2D confirmed: There is a strong
EP
credits
H2E confirmed: There is a strong
C

credits
AC
530
Fig.5 Relationship between the LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in the EA category and UN SDGs. 531
33
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
4.3 Application of the Contribution Indices 532
Based on the results of the hypotheses tests, indices were developed to assess the 533
contribution of the implementation of LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in the WE 534
and AE categories to achieve the UN SDGs in Jordan. Fig. 6 shows the contribution 535
PT
indices of LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in the WE and EA categories. 536
RI
Based on the proposed MCDWEI, the LEED v2.2 WE credits are ranked as "WEc3.2: 537
Water Use Reduction: 30% Reduction" (93.9), "WEc3.1: Water Use Reduction: 20% 538
SC
Reduction" (88.9), "WEc2: Innovative Wastewater Technologies" (76), "WEc1.2: 539
Water-Efficient Landscaping: No Potable Water Use or Irrigation" (73.4), and 540
U
"WEc1.1: Water-Efficient Landscaping: Reduce by 50%" (57.3) 541
AN
Based on the proposed MCDEAI, the LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in the EA 542
M
category are ranked as "EAc2: On-Site Renewable Energy" (96.6), "EAc1: Optimize 543
D
Energy Performance" (94), "EAc6: Green Power" (80), "EAc5: Measurement & 544
TE
Verification"(77.5), "EA Prerequisite 1: Fundamental Commissioning of the Building 545
Energy Systems" (74.9), EAc3: Enhanced Commissioning (64.5), "EA Prerequisite 2: 546
EP
Minimum Energy Performance" (63.5), "EAc4: Enhanced Refrigerant Management" 547
(39.6), and "EA Prerequisite 3: Fundamental Refrigerant Management" (33.9). 548

C
AC
549
550
551
552
34
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
PT
RI
U SC
AN
M
D
TE
C EP
AC
553
Fig. 6. Relationships between the LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in the WE and 554
AE categories and UN SDGs in Jordan. 555
35
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
4.4 Validation of Results 556
This section discusses the validation of the identified relationships between the UN 557
SDGs and LEEDV2.2 prerequisites and credits in the WE and EA categories and the 558
validation of proposed contribution indices. 559
PT
4.4.1 Validation of identified relationships between the UN SDGs and LEEDV2.2 560
RI
prerequisites and credits in the WE and EA categories 561
SC
The results of this research on the relationship between the UN SDGs and LEEDV2.2 562
prerequisites and credits in the WE and EA categories in Jordan were presented 563
U
during focus group discussions. All participants were asked to reply with a yes/no 564
AN
answer whether they think the results are reasonable and reliable. 565
M
The expert groups discussed the intent, cost, applicability, feasibility, and ease of 566
implementation of the LEEDV2.2 prerequisites and credits in the WE and EA 567

D
categories in Jordan. Furthermore, they discussed the targets of each UN SDG. 568
TE
After a lengthy discussion, all experts agreed that the results are reasonable and 569
EP
reliable. Table 3 presents the responses of the focus group. Hence, the results were 570
validated. 571
C
AC
572
573
574
575
36
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Table 3. Validation of identified relationships between the UN SDGs and LEEDV2.2 576
prerequisites and credits in the WE and EA categories 577
Question: What is your opinion of the results in this research? Are they reasonable?
Focus group responses

Relationship between the UN SDGs and LEEDV2.2
Yes NO
PT
prerequisites and credits in the WE and EA categories
Frequency % Frequency %
There is a strong relationship between SDG6 and LEED v2.2
WE credits. 10 100 0 0
RI
SC
There is a moderate relationship between SDG12 and LEED
v2.2 WE credits. 10 100 0 0
There is a moderate relationship between SDG13 and LEED
v2.2 WE credits. 10 100 0 0
U
WE credit. 10 100 0 0
AN
EA prerequisites and credits. 10 100 0 0
M

D

TE
4.4.2 Validation of the Contribution Indices 578

EP
The focus group was presented with contribution indices developed in this study. The 579
expert group was asked to provide their opinion about the contribution indices (ease 580
C
of understanding, robustness, and compatibility with Jordan conditions and 581

AC
environment). The experts were also asked about their recommendations for further 582
development. Table 4 presents the responses of the focus group. 583
All ten (100%) focus group members agreed that the contribution indices are easy to 584
understand and compatible with Jordan’s environment and conditions. They will 585
provide a robust assessment of the contribution of the water and energy efficiency of 586
37
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
LEED v2.2 certified-buildings to achieve the UN SDGs. They also agreed that the 587
contribution indices will help to understand how water and energy efficiency in green 588
buildings can contribute to achieving the UN SDGs in Jordan. 589
Nine (90%) focus group members agreed that the methodology used to construct the 590
PT
contribution indices is reliable. They recommended other researchers and policy 591
makers to use this methodology to develop a new assessment method for the 592
RI
contribution of water and energy efficiency in green buildings for other versions of 593
SC
LEED or other green building assessment systems. Only one expert was not sure if 594
this methodology can be used to construct contribution indices. Therefore, the 595
U
contribution indices were validated. 596
AN
Table 4. Validation of the Contribution Indices 597
M
Question Frequency %
1 The contribution indices are … ? Easy to understand 10 100

D
Difficult to understand 0 0
TE
Neither easy nor difficult to 0 0

understand
2 The contribution indices will provide a robust Yes 10 100
EP
assessment for the contribution of the water and No 0 0

energy efficiency in LEED v2.2-certified buildings Not sure 0 0
to achieve the UN SDGs.
C
3 The contribution indices measures are compatible Yes 10 100

with Jordan’s environment and conditions. No 0
AC
Not sure 0
4 The contribution indices will help to understand Yes 10 100
how water and energy efficiency in green buildings No 0 0
can contribute to achieving the UN SDGs in Not sure 0 0
Jordan.
5 The methodology used to construct the Wide use recommended 9 90
contribution indices is reliable and will guide Not recommended 0 0
researchers and policy maker in developing new Not sure 1 10
assessment methods for the contribution of water
and energy efficiency in green buildings for other
38
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
versions of LEED or other green building
assessment systems.
4.5 Assessing the contributions of LEED-v2.2-certified green buildings to achieve the 598
UN SDGs in Jordan 599
An assessment of the contributions of water and energy efficiency in the two pioneer 600
PT
LEED-v2.2-certified green buildings to achieve the UN SDGs in Jordan was 601
RI
conducted to determine the usability of the CCDI for the assessment and comparison 602
of the contributions of different certified buildings to achieve the UN SDGs in Jordan. 603
SC
Figs7 and 8 show that the LEED v2.2 WE and EA prerequisites and credits in the two 604
U
pioneer LEED-v2.2-certified buildings (WHO building and Dutch embassy in 605
AN
Amman) contribute to achieving SDG6, SDG7, SDG8, SDG9, SDG12, SDG13, and 606
SDG15 in Jordan. The CCDI values for the WHO building in Amman is 51.2, while 607
M
that for the Dutch embassy in Amman is 39.6. This indicates that the WHO building 608
D
in Amman contributes more to achieving the UN SDGs in Jordan. The MCWEI and 609
TE
MCEAI values significantly affect the CCDI value. One of the most interesting results 610
is that the contributions of the water and energy efficiency in LEED green buildings 611
EP
to achieve the UN SDGs can be improved if priority is given to the implementation of 612
WE and EA credits with high MCWEI and MCEAI values. 613

C
AC
614
615
616
617
39
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
618
PT
RI
U SC
AN
M
D
TE
EP
619
Fig. 7. Contribution of an LEED-v2.2-certified building (WHO building in Amman)

C
620
to achieving the UN SDGs in Jordan. 621
AC
622
623
624
625
40
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
626
PT
RI
U SC
AN
M
D
TE
EP
627
Fig. 8. Contribution of an LEED-v2.2-certified building (Dutch embassy in Amman)

C
628
to achieving the UN SDGs in Jordan. 629
AC
630
5. Conclusion 631
Governments across the world have developed strategies to meet UN SDGs and 632
green buildings have an important role to play in this respect. Water and energy 633
efficiency in building has a critical role towards achieving UN SDGs. Governments, 634
41
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
designers and developers need to be better informed about the advantages of invest in 635
water and energy efficiency measures in green buildings to maximize the contribution 636
towards achieving UN SDGs. Presently, there is lack of information and 637
understanding on the subject as none of the existing green buildings assessment tools 638
describe the relationship between its water and energy efficiency indicators and UN 639
PT
SDGs. There is thus a need for a methodology to assess and improve the contribution 640
RI
of water and energy efficiency in achieving UN SDGs. This study attempts to bridge 641
this gap. It is the first research to identify the contributions of the implementation of 642
SC
LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in the WE and EA categories to achieve the UN 643
SDGs. It proposes an index for the assessment of the contribution of water and energy 644
U
efficiency in LEED-v2.2-certified green buildings to achieve the UN SDGs in Jordan. 645
AN
The proposed index can help governments, designers and developers to priorities their 646
M
strategies and optimally allocate resources to achieve the UN SDGs through water and 647
energy efficiency measures. The proposed index can be used by researchers in Jordan 648
D
and elsewhere in the world to develop a new assessment method for the contribution 649
TE
of the water and energy efficiency in green buildings for other LEED versions or 650
other green building assessment systems. 651

EP
It is found that the implementation of LEED v2.2 WE credits and AE prerequisites 652
C
and credits contributes to achieving seven UN SDGs in Jordan: SD6, SDG7, SDG8, 653
AC
SDG9, SDG12, SDG13, and SDG15. The tests of all sub-hypotheses confirms the two 654
main hypothesis: there is a significant relationship between the UN SDGs and LEED 655
v2.2 credits in the WE category and there is a significant relationship between the UN 656
SDGs and LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in the EA category. 657
42
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
The contributions of water and energy efficiency in the two pioneer LEED-v2.2- 658
certified green buildings to achieving the UN SDGs in Jordan were assessed. The 659
CCDI values are 51.2 for the WHO building in Amman and 39.6 for the Dutch 660
embassy in Amman. This indicates that the WHO building in Amman contributes 661
more to achieving the UN SDGs in Jordan. The MCWEI and MCEAI help to 662
PT
understand which credit or prerequisite of the LEED v2.2 WE and EA categories 663
RI
contribute the most to achieving the UN SDGs. It is concluded that the indices are 664
useful tools for the assessment of the contribution of the water and energy efficiency 665
SC
on the building scale level. 666
U
Acknowledgements 667
AN
We did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, 668
commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. 669
M
References 670
D
[1] United Nations, “Sustainable Development Goals”. 671

TE
http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/, 2018 672
(accessed 27 May 2018). 673

EP
[2] United Nations, "Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 674
C
2015". http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/70/1&Lang=E, 675

AC
2018 (accessed 27 May 2018). 676
[3] United Nations Environment Programme-International Environmental Technology 677
Center, Energy and Cities, Sustainable Building and Construction 678
www.unep.or.jp/ietc/Focus/Sustainable_bldg.doc, 2018 (accessed 27 May 2018). 679
43
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
[4] United Nations Environment Programme-10YFP-Sustainable Buildings and 680
Construction Programme, http://web.unep.org/10yfp/programmes/sustainable- 681
buildings-and-construction-programme , 2018 (accessed 27 May 2018). 682
[5] Omer Tatari and Murat Kucukvar, Cost premium prediction of certified green 683
buildings: A neural network approach, Building and Environment 46 (2011) 1081- 684
PT
1086, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2010.11.009. 685
RI
[6] Aysin Sev, How Can the Construction Industry Contribute to Sustainable 686
Development? A Conceptual Framework, Sustainable Development , Sust. Dev. 17, 687
SC
161–173 (2009), https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.373 688
[7] Environmental Protection Agency, Green Building, 689
U
https://archive.epa.gov/greenbuilding/web/html/about.html,2018 (accessed 27 May 690
AN
2018). 691
M
[8] L Shen, H Yan, H Fan, Y Wu, Y Zhang, An integrated system of text mining 692
technique and case-based reasoning (TM-CBR) for supporting green building design , 693
D
Building and Environment Volume 124, 1 November 2017, Pages 388-401, 694
TE
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2017.08.026 695
[9] World Green Building Council, Green building & the Sustainable Development 696
EP
Goals, http://www.worldgbc.org/green-building-sustainable-development-goals, 2018 697

C

AC
[10] Hikmat H. Ali , Saba F. Al Nsairat , Developing a green building assessment tool 699
for developing countries – Case of Jordan, Building and Environment 44 (2009) 700
1053–1064, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2008.07.015 701
[11] I. M. Chethana S. Illankoon; Vivian W. Y. Tam, Ph.D.; and Khoa N. Le, Ph.D., 702
Environmental, Economic, and Social Parameters in International Green Building 703
44
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Rating Tools, ASCE 05016010-1, https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)EI.1943- 704
5541.0000313 705
[12] Eduard Cubi Montanya and David Keith. 2011. “LEED, Energy Savings, and 706
Carbon Abatement: Related but Not Synonymous.” Environmental Science and 707
Technology, 45, Pp. 1757-1758, DOI: 10.1021/es1041332 708
PT
[13] Latif Onur Uğura, Neşe Leblebicib , An examination of the LEED green building 709
RI
certification system in terms of construction costs , Renewable and Sustainable 710
Energy Reviews 81 (2018) 1476–1483 711
SC
[14] F. Asdrubali, G. Baldinelli* , F. Bianchi, S. Sambuco, A comparison between 712
environmental sustainability rating systems LEED and ITACA for residential 713
U
buildings, Building and Environment 86 (2015) 98-108, 714
AN
M
[15] Peng Wu , Chao Mao , Jun Wang , Yongze Song , Xiangyu Wang, A decade 716
review of the credits obtained by LEED v2.2 certified green building projects, 717
D
Building and Environment 102 (2016) 167-178, 718

TE
[16] U.S. Green Building Council, LEED for New Construction & 720
EP
Major Renovations Version 2.2, 721

C
https://www.usgbc.org/Docs/Archive/General/Docs1095.pdf, 2018, (accessed 27 May 722

AC
2018). 723
[17] U.S. Green Building Council, Checklist: LEED v2.2 New Construction, 724
https://www.usgbc.org/sites/default/files/LEED_NC_Checklist-050808.pdf, 2018, 725
45
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
[18] Department of Statistics, Jordan in Figures 2016, http://dosweb.dos.gov.jo/wp- 727
content/uploads/2017/11/JordanInFigures2016.pdf, 2018, (accessed 27 May 2018). 728
[19] The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Ministry of Water & Irrigation ,Water 729
Authority- Jordan Valley Authority, Annual Report 2016, 730
http://www.mwi.gov.jo/sites/en-us/Annual%20Reports/Annual%20Report%202016. 731
PT
pdf , 2018 (accessed 27 May 2018). 732
RI
[20] The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources- 733
Energy 2015-Fact & Figure, http://eis.memr.gov.jo/publication/2016-04-03-07-59- 734
SC
21/brochure-energy/282-brochure-2015, 2018 (accessed 27 May 2018). 735
[21] United Nations, "Water for life", 736
U
http://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/pdf/01_2014_water_and_energy.pdf, 2018 737
AN
M
[22] US Green Building Council, projects, World Health Organization Building, 739
https://www.usgbc.org/projects/world-health-organization-building, 2018 (accessed 740

D
27 May 2018). 741

TE
[23] US Green Building Council, projects, Dutch Embassy in Amman 742
https://www.usgbc.org/projects/dutch-embassy-amman-jordan, 2018 (accessed 27 743

EP
May 2018). 744

C
[24] US Green Building Council, projects, Middle East Insurance Building 745
AC
https://www.usgbc.org/projects/middle-east-insurance-building, 2018 (accessed 27 746
May 2018). 747
[25] US Green Building Council, projects, ATG Headquarter Building, 748
https://www.usgbc.org/projects/atg-head-quarter, 2018 (accessed 27 May 2018). 749
46
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
[26] Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Ministry of Water and Irrigation, National Water 750
Strategy of Jordan, 2016 – 2025, http://www.mwi.gov.jo/sites/en- 751
us/Hot%20Issues/Strategic%20Documents%20of%20%20The%20Water%20Sector/ 752
National%20Water%20Strategy(%202016-2025)-25.2.2016.pdf, 2018 (accessed 27 753
May 2018). 754
PT
[27] Nidal Hadadin, Maher Qaqish, Emad Akawwi, Ahmed Bdour, Water shortage in 755
RI
Jordan — Sustainable solutions, Desalination 250 (2010) 197–202, 756
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2009.01.026 757
SC
[28] LEED for New Construction & Major Renovations, version 2.2, 758
https://www.usgbc.org/Docs/Archive/General/Docs1095.pdf, 2018 (accessed 27 May 759
2018).
U 760
AN
[29] Green Outlook 2011, Green Trends Driving Growth (McGraw-Hill Construction, 761
M
2010), aiacc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/greenoutlook2011.pdf , 2018 (accessed 762
27 May 2018). 763

D
[30] J.O., Jaber , Fawwaz Elkarmi , Emil Alasis , Anagnostopoulos Kostas , 764
TE
Employment of renewable energy in Jordan: Current status, SWOT and problem 765
analysis, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 49 (2015) 490–499, 766

EP
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.04.050 767
C
[31] Murad Al-omarya,b , Martin Kaltschmittc , Christian Beckerb, Electricity system 768
AC
in Jordan: Status & prospects, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 81 (2018) 769
2398–2409, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.06.046 770
[32] Saif KayedAl-Bajjali, , Adel YacoubShamayleh, Estimating the determinants of 771
electricity consumption in Jordan, Volume 147, 15 March 2018, Pages 1311-1320, 772
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2018.01.010 773
47
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
[33] The United Nations World Water Development Report 2014, Water and Energy 774
Volume 1, 775
http://www.zaragoza.es/contenidos/medioambiente/onu/789_eng_ed5_v1_v2_United 776
_Nations_World_Water_Development_Report_2014_Water_and_Energy.pdf , 2014, 777
PT
[34] Jiangyu Dai ,Shiqiang Wu, GuoyiHan, JoshWeinberg, XinghuaXie, Xiufeng Wu, 779
RI
Xingqiang Song, Benyou Jia, Wanyun Xue, Qianqian Yang, Water-energy nexus: A 780
review of methods and tools for macro-assessment, Applied Energy Volume 210, 15 781
SC
January 2018, Pages 393-408, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.08.243 782
[35] Afreen Siddiqi , Arani Kajenthira , Laura Dı´az Anado´n, Bridging decision 783
U
networks for integrated water and energy planning, Energy Strategy Reviews 2 784
AN
(2013) 46-58, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2013.02.003 785
M
[36] Kothari, C. R. (2004). Research methodology: Methods and techniques. New 786
Delhi, India: New Age International. 787

D
[37] Amos Darko, Albert Ping, Chuen Chan, Ernest Effah, Ameyaw Bao-Jie , He 788
TE
Ayokunle Olubunmim Olanipekun, Examining issues influencing green building 789
technologies adoption: The United States green building experts’ perspectives, Energy 790
EP
and Buildings, Volume 144, 1 June 2017, Pages 320-332, 791
792
C
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2017.03.060
AC
[38] Hwang, B. G., and Ng, W. J. (2013). Project management knowledge and skills 793
for green construction: Overcoming challenges. International Journal of Project 794
Management,(31) 2,272-284, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2012.05.004 795
• [39] Zhao, X., Hwang, B. G., and Lee, H. N. (2016). Identifying critical leadership 796
styles of project managers for green building projects. International Journal of 797
48
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Construction, 1171 Management, 16(2), 150-160, 798
https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2015.1130602 799
[40] Hwang, B. G., and Tan, J. S. (2012). Green building project management: 800
obstacles and solutions for sustainable development. Sustainable Development, 20(5), 801
335-349, https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.492 802
PT
[41] Ott, R. L., and Longnecker, M. (2001). An introduction to statistical methods and 803
RI
data 1061 analysis. Duxbury (MA): Pacific Grove. 804
[42] Saisana, M., and S. Tarantola. 2002. State-of-the-art Report on Current 805
SC
Methodologies and Practices for Composite Indicator Development. 806
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.402.5612&rep=rep1&type= 807
pdf , 2018 (accessed 27 May 2018).

U 808
AN
[43] United Nations Development Programme , HumanDevelopment Reports, Human 809
M
Development Index (HDI) 810
http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/hdr2016_technical_notes_0.pdf ] 811
D
[44] Krueger RA (1994) Focus Groups: A Practical Guide for Applied Research. 812
TE
Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. 813
[45] United Nations University, A Manual for the Use of Focus Groups, 814
EP
http://archive.unu.edu/unupress/food2/UIN03E/UIN03E00.HTM#Contents, 2018 815

C

AC
[46] Krueger October 2002 Designing and Conducting Focus Group Interviews 817
https://www.eiu.edu/ihec/Krueger-FocusGroupInterviews.pdf , 2018 (accessed 27 818
May 2018). 819
49
ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT
Highlights
• The relationships between the LEED v2.2 WE and UN SDGs 6, 8–9, 12–13,
and 15 have been identified.
• The relationships between the LEED v2.2 EA and UN SDGs 7–9 and 12–13
PT
have been identified.
• Water and energy efficiency in green buildings contribute to achieving the UN
RI
SDGs in Jordan.
U SC
AN
M
D
TE
C EP
AC

Alawneh 2018

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Alawneh 2018

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Accepted Manuscript

Assessing the contribution of water and energy efficiency in green buildings to

Rami Alawneh, Farid E. Mohamed Ghazali, Hikmat Ali, Muhammad Asif

To appear in: Building and Environment

Received Date: 28 May 2018

Universiti Sains Malaysia (Engineering Campus), 14300, Nibong Tebal, Penang,

Science and Technology, Irbid 21110, Jordan

Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, G40BA, United Kingdom

achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Jordan. 2

Environmental Design (LEED) v2.2 construction. The relationships between the 9

Structured questionnaire surveys yielded 55 responses from Jordanian building 12

examine these relationships. We propose a new Comprehensive Contribution to 14

Development Index (CCDI) to assess the contributions of the implementation of 15

relationship between LEED v2.2 prerequisites and credits in both WE and EA 17

Keywords: Energy, water, green building, United Nations, sustainable development 22

sustainable development goals (UN SDGs), which aim to eliminate discrimination 27

economic and social–developmental concerns, such as health, poverty, hunger, 29

The construction industry significantly contributes to national socioeconomic 32

attain sustainable development is essential [3]. 35

resource shortages, are significantly affected by the built environment. Fast-growing 40

for sustainable construction and buildings [4]. 43

by the built environment. The increasing environmental consideration of the impact of 45

buildings in the construction industry [5]. 47

successful environmental protection, which are the three elements of sustainable 49

practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally 52

design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction.” [7]. 54

buildings can contribute to meeting the sustainable development goals;” information 57

green buildings can contribute to achieving 9 of the UN SDGs [9]. 59

Sustainable development may be achieved through the implementation and 60

application of green-building-assessment tools [10]. Sustainable construction refers to 61

construction that is economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable [11]. 62

Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a nongovernmental certification 64

energy efficiency and decreasing the negative environmental impacts of buildings 67

sustainability. Such design features include reduced energy use, protected 70

construction sites, improved indoor environment quality, the utilization of sustainable 71

The UN has classified Jordan as a lower–middle-income nation. The gross domestic 81

Jordan’s ability to secure a stable energy supply [20]. 91

energy sources (including electricity) such as raw-material extraction, cleaning 94

should be avoided [21]. 104

1) World Health Organization Building, LEED BD+C: New Construction v2 – 107

LEED 2.2, certification awarded in December 2011 [22]. 108

certification awarded in October 2010 [23]. 110

2009, certification awarded in March 2014 [24]. 112

this gap. 121

Our main objectives are: 122

1. to identify the contributions of the implementation of LEED v2.2 prerequisites 123

energy efficiency in LEED-v2.2-certified green buildings to achieve the UN 126

SDGs in Jordan 127

enough to sustainably support the growing population. 148

than building based on conventional construction methods by incorporating native 155

and reusing wastewater for non-potable water needs [28]. 157

credits in the WE category. 168

We also investigated the following sub-hypotheses: 169

in the WE category. 171

in the WE category. 173

in the WE category. 175

credits in the WE category. 177

credits in the WE category. 179

credits and UN SDGs 6, 8, 9, 12–13, and 15. 183

LEED v2.2 NC Water Efficiency credits Results of implementation of UN SDGs

buildings to reduce the burden on municipal

systems. Take urgent action to combat